The Dangers Of Exposure To Terror Content For Children So The Reasons Why Videos Should Stop At You

Illustration (Source: Unsplash)

JAKARTA - The video of the bomb explosion at the Makassar Cathedral Church the day before yesterday is still ringing in the minds of many people. Luckily those who haven't had the chance to watch the video. Because, it turns out that being exposed to such a video can have a psychological impact. Especially for children.

The video of the suicide bomb explosion at the Catholic church in Makassar, South Sulawesi has gone viral since Sunday, March 29. Fearing that it will spread more widely, the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (Kemenkominfo) appealed to the public not to upload or distribute the video of the incident again.

The reason is, the distribution of the video has the potential to cause fear or concern for the community. "We again appeal to the public not to disseminate such content and together to counteract radicalism-terrorism both in the physical and digital space," said Kominfo spokesman, Dedy Permadi, in a press statement, Monday.

We all understand that content circulating as a result of terror incidents has a bad influence. And the impact is even more dangerous when consumed by children. The Head of the Supervision, Monitoring and Evaluation Division of the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) Jasra Putra, even appealed to children to be protected from such content.

Illustration (Source: Unsplash)

This is where the role of parents to supervise their children being exposed to such content is so important. "For this reason, it is important for parents to avoid inappropriate information for children's consumption," Jasra said via the WhatsApp message application received by VOI.

It is feared that the video that has been spreading on social media can easily be accessed by children. Moreover, Jasra said that currently children have more than one social media account. "Imagine if all those accounts invite children's reactions."

In fact, the constitution guarantees the protection of exposure to inappropriate content for children. Jasra said, the Child Protection Law reminded that in a situation like this, children should not be left without life protection in Article 76H.

Then, what is the danger for children who have consumed violent content perpetrated by terrorists?

The impact

According to Jasra, the circulation of massive photos, videos and statements that are not worthy of being massive is circulating on social media. According to him, this is what makes children grow more towards spreading hatred to others. "Even to his own friends who took part in it."

Meanwhile, from the psychological side, according to the psychiatrist quoted by Halodoc, consuming photos or videos of victims of an explosion, especially those that are not censored, can cause fear and cause anxiety disorders. In addition, the effect can also make people uncomfortable. The reason is that pictures of victims of acts of terror will rip a person's sense of humanity.

Even worse, someone who is exposed to terrible content from acts of terror can cause secondary trauma. The spread of photos or videos of victims can also diminish empathy because of the process of refraction.

Illustration (Source: Unsplash)

Psychologist Tika Bisono agrees with the traumatic impact of being exposed to the contents of this terror incident. "The center of trauma is true, trauma of terrorism, trauma of jihadism," said Tika when contacted by VOI.

According to Tika, children who see the content will be traumatized by terrorism. "So he is alert, increasingly aware that terrorism must be fought."

Moreover, according to Tika, traumati could be more plaguing Christian children. "Moreover, it will be Easter soon, right?"

For this reason, Tika appealed to the Easter celebration, the police must be more alert to protect the public. "This must be extra security," he said.

How to fix it

According to Tika, one way to combat trauma is to fight fear. Because by doing so, a person can form a defense against an exposure.

"What has to be done is that there must be a massive call for the public to dare to fight terrorism. Don't be afraid," said Tika.

Even so, the Head of the Monitoring and Evaluation Division of the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI), Jasra Putra, reminded various parties to take a position to calm and reconcile. The reason is, Indonesia does not inherit trauma to future generations.

"So that Indonesia does not inherit trauma to its generation. So that its generation does not inherit the hatred and hatred it teaches," said Jasra.

Jasra suggested that it is better to cultivate love, which has become the nature and gift of the Creator for each child, which can support their growth and development. To explore how to optimize the development of children in their golden age, please read the series "Gathering the Golden Age of Children."

Returning to Jasra, according to him, an attitude that fosters a sense of humanity should be more dominant in parents. "In order to educate in breaking the chain of violence," he concluded.

Other Bernas